Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamon, Elaichi, Choti

1/2

Cardamom is grown for its seeds which grow inside the plant's fruit, called capsules. Each capsule produces between 15-20 seeds which are used as a food flavourant or spice. While Cardamom is difficult to propagate and grow, if you're up for a challenge, in three years you will have personal access to the most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla!

Planning

Difficulty

Advanced

Fruiting time

Summer, Autumn

Harvesting

Cardamom starts to bear fruit in their third year. Harvest fruit by hand when they start to turn green, dry and break easily. After harvesting, dry the pods for 6-7 days and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to be preserved.